Valerie Renee Clemens Chester

Valerie Chester was an outgoing and accepting woman, always reaching out to others with an open mind and a caring heart. She had an infectious laugh and the ability to bring a smile to any person she encountered. Valerie was a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, who could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. With an infectious laugh and an open mind, Valerie was the type of person nobody could ever forget.

The 1950s were a time of change in America, with Rock and Roll gaining quick popularity and the sudden boom of the entertainment industry. Among all this change, Ernest Clemens and Paula Tackaberry were expecting a more personal transformation--the addition of a baby girl to their family. Valerie was born on February 20, 1953, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Even as she entered the world she seemed to be ambitious. Her mother didn't even have time to make it to the delivery room to give birth to Valerie, she was born in the ER!

Valerie's father worked for the Railroad while her mother stayed at home. She grew up in Portage, Michigan, where she had many childhood friends and enjoyed taking tap dance lessons. The family later moved to Kalamazoo where they owned Clemens Home Furnishing that was attached to their house. As Valerie was growing up in the sixties, riots were breaking out in reaction to the Civil Rights Movement, and her family sent Valerie to live with her Uncle Al in California in order to keep her safe.

Returning from California in the 1970s, Valerie was ready to begin a new chapter in her life. The greatest of her accomplishments took place on August 22, 1977, when she gave birth to a beautiful daughter she named Paula. Valerie was such a loving mother and wanted Paula to experience all the world had to offer. She would even occasionally pull Paula out of school for a day to spend time bonding and enjoying various adventures. As a mother, Valerie knew that her relationship with her daughter was the single most important component of her life. It was important to her in 1978 to move her daughter and family to Plainwell.

As Valerie raised Paula, she also worked at Murco in Plainwell, the place where she would meet her future husband. While at Murco she tried a variety of positions, and as she proved reliable and multi-skilled, she was eventually promoted up to Traffic Manager. It was then that she met a handsome man named Bill Chester, who was one of Murco's truck drivers. Despite Valerie's hesitation to get involved with Bill, they had their first date in 1982, and she knew right away that he was the one for her. The couple enjoyed getting to know each other, and they dated for almost seven years before eventually tying the knot in 1989. Valerie and Bill were married on a beautiful summer day that year, on July 3.

Valerie loved simple conversation, and took pleasure in spending time with her husband. They often went on camping trips and all kinds of outings. It was not unlike Valerie and Bill, however, just to stay in and enjoy stimulating conversations over a steaming cup of coffee. The couple were always connecting in new ways.

Beginning in 1999, Valerie worked for B&B Trucking in Oshtemo as a dispatcher. She was incredibly dedicated to her job and was not afraid to go the extra mile to do favors for other people. This job was very rewarding for Valerie. She knew the importance of family, so she took pride in working for a company that was family owned. She was very close with her co-workers and with the drivers, and never made excuses. Valerie was the kind of person who simply got the job done.

In 2000, Valerie took a huge business step and purchased the Dowling Corner Store. She, Bill, Paula, and Cole moved out to Dowling to care for the store, bringing much improvement to the community and letting the store serve as a place where everyone was welcome and treated with kindness. Unfortunately, Valerie had to close the store in 2002.

Holidays were a special time for Valerie. It was a time for the whole family to be together, enjoying each other's company and sharing the numerous memories they had created throughout the years. Valerie loved to spoil her grandchildren during the holidays, making sure everyone had plenty of food on their plates. On Thanksgiving or Christmas, you could count on the house bursting at the seems with people laughing, reminiscing, and delighting in all the unbelievable dishes that were prepared. That was the type of interaction Valerie cherished most, always talking and always listening.

Valerie tended to a beautiful garden and was proud of her green thumb. When she had time to herself, she liked to read novels by Danielle Steel and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She had a huge imagination and could get lost in a book for hours. Anyone stopping by might find Valerie listening to classic rock such as Bob Seger, Rolling Stones, the Beatles, or Jonny Lang. Valerie was never afraid to try new things, though, and in her later years she even occasionally enjoyed country music, as well.

In the spring of 2008, Valerie began to not feel well, and was unfortunately diagnosed with lung cancer in April. Her body began to weaken, and she sadly died on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. Valerie died peacefully at her daughter's home while surrounded by her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Valerie leaves us a legacy of compassion and sensitivity. She was an outspoken woman who could get along with anyone, striking up a conversation at any given moment with whoever she encountered. These were the qualities that gave her so many lasting relationships, so many friends, and so many good times. Her family always came first, and she made sure everybody knew how much they meant to her. Each moment spent with Valerie is now a beautiful memory to be cherished and to be honored.

Members of Valerie's family include her husband Bill, her daughter Paula Chester and her children Cole and Jordan, 2 step daughters: Melanie and Lenora Chester and 2 step grandchildren: Ian and Ashley Rollison. Special Friends: Julie and Barry Lindner family; Karen Anderson family; the Sam Hildebrand family; and the Donah and Bernard Stanton family.

Learn more about Valerie, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends Monday from 4-7 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Tuesday at the same location.

Please visit Valerie’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society.